New Mexico Senate race pits Luján against GOP challenger in 2026 midterms
Voters in Bernalillo County face a choice in a closely watched federal race as they also decide an open governor's seat and three bond questions on Tuesday.
By Scott Marshall ·
Polling places across Bernalillo County opened at 7 a.m. Today for the 2026 general election, with voting set to conclude at 7 p.m. In both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Residents in the county are casting ballots in a midterm election that determines the balance of power in the United States Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. Anyone in line when polls close is entitled to cast a vote, and voters can confirm their specific location at vote.gov. The day marks the halfway point in the current administration, with all 435 U.S. House seats and 35 U.S. Senate seats up for grabs nationwide.
The U.S. Senate race in New Mexico is a focal point for state voters, featuring incumbent Democratic Senator Ben Ray Luján against his Republican opponent. Ballotpedia confirms that Luján is running for re-election in a race that will determine which party holds the state's two Senate seats for the next six years. Winners of Senate races nationwide begin their terms on January 3, 2027. While the Associated Press has identified 13 key Senate battlegrounds across the country, New Mexico is not listed among the races with specific partisan leanings in the AP's October 27 ratings. However, the outcome in this state contributes to the national tally where Democrats need a net gain of four seats to reclaim a majority in the upper chamber.
In addition to the federal race, New Mexico voters are deciding an open governor's seat, as no incumbent is running for the office. This race is part of a national contest for 36 governorships, where Republicans currently hold 26 offices and Democrats hold 24. Democrats would need to gain two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a status Republicans have held since 2010. The open nature of the New Mexico race means voters are selecting a new executive to lead the state, a decision that will shape local policy and state finances in the coming years.
New Mexico voters are also weighing three bond questions and four constitutional amendments on the ballot. Bond Question 1 seeks authorization for $30 million in general obligation bonds for senior citizen facility improvements, funded by a statewide property tax. Bond Question 2 proposes up to $20 million for academic, public school, tribal, and public library resources. Bond Question 3 aims for up to $230 million for capital improvements at higher education and tribal schools. These measures, detailed by Ballotpedia, require voter approval to proceed, with funding coming from a statewide property tax that affects homeowners across Bernalillo County and the rest of the state.
Constitutional Amendment 1 proposes to require bills to become law if the governor does not sign or veto them within the required timeframe, effectively eliminating the governor's pocket veto. Amendment 2 would repeal the provision requiring school elections to be held at different times from partisan elections. Amendment 3 makes changes to the Board of Regents, including establishing nominating committees for candidates. Amendment 4 establishes a salary for state legislators equal to the annual median household income of the state. These changes reflect a broader effort by voters to adjust the mechanics of state government, as noted in the Ballotpedia breakdown of New Mexico's 2026 ballot measures.
Voters in Bernalillo County are participating in a national effort that has seen significant early voting activity. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of participation suggests a strong interest in the outcome of the midterms, which are a referendum on Trump's second term. Voters are reportedly struggling with high prices and expressing anger over an unpopular war with Iran.
National polling data indicates that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance, while 25% approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most blaming the president for high prices. The AP notes that Republicans are bracing to lose the House and are fighting to hold the Senate, while Democrats are cautiously optimistic. In the U.S. House, Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can lose no more than two to maintain their current advantage.
The election has also drawn attention to the administration's efforts to influence the outcome. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. In Alaska, the administration filed a lawsuit related to the certification of the Senate result, and in California, a judge ordered the administration to stop demanding the segregation of ballots from suspected noncitizens. These legal maneuvers are part of a broader strategy that has included false claims about voting fraud and threats to prosecute local election officials.
Financial resources have played a significant role in the campaign, with the 2026 elections likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more. This spending pattern highlights the party's focus on defending its base in key states.
